Blinking, Alburet was mildly stunned, not expecting gold right up front. He shook his head sadly though. “Not going to happen. Nice try to all but steal the book, though.” He watched the man react as if he had been slapped, “I want to put it up for auction as is with a conservative reserve to make sure it fetches what it should.”
“Hmm, I see,” the man said, eyeing Alburet with narrow eyes. “What makes you think it is worth more than my offer?”
“The Forgotten Prison is a legend of the first empire is it not?” Alburet bluffed, not even knowing if he was telling the truth or not.
Sighing, the curator turned, “Follow me, please.”
Alburet followed along behind the man and was led into an office. Behind the desk sat a man who looked to be in his prime, even with the stark white hair. The curator motioned him to a seat as he set the book before the seated man and whispered to him. The white haired man raised his eyebrows, chuckling before he dismissed the first man.
“Welcome to the royal auction house. Would you care for a drink?”
“I’m good for the moment, but thank you. I am Alburet, what might your name be?”
“I am the curator of this place, my name is Vladimir, and it is a pleasure to meet you. Do you mind if I look this book over before we talk business?”
“Considering the other man already did, be my guest,” Alburet said indifferently.
Vladimir smiled, allowing Alburet to see the sharp canines he had. “So kind,” Vladimir said before turning his attention to the book. He leafed slowly through the first ten pages then quickly skimmed the rest. “I do believe this is an authentic edition of the book. Did you wish to sell it to us or put it up for auction?”
Pursing his lips for a moment, Alburet thought about it. “I have had no dealings at this level before, Vladimir,” Alburet said bluntly. “I’m an adventurer and as such do not move in higher society. I would hear your advice on this matter.”
Chuckling, Vladimir picked up his goblet and took a sip, “Cautious, polite and honest. My goodness, will wonders never cease? You have a decent chance of collecting a right bounty if you auction this book, but it will take some time for us to properly set up such an auction. That would leave you without the book or coin to spend while we did so. Your other option is to let me buy it from you myself, I promise you a very good price but, alas, not as much as what you might get at auction.”
“What would you do with the book if I sold it to you?”
“I would gift it to his Majesty King Tyr the Third during the upcoming ball.”
Quest: Sell or Auction
Rewards: Variable depending on your actions
Alburet chewed his lip for a second, “I do need coin at the moment, but I have a feeling that having you as an ally might be my best bet for later in life. I agree to sell it to you Vladimir, at a reasonable price and to be viewed with kindness in the future.”
Quest Completed: Sell or Auction
Receive: Become Liked by Vladimir the Royal Auctioneer
Bonus: A Unique Item specific to your class or gold
Laughing, Vladimir gave a bow of his head, “Ah, so even two-souled adventurers think of alliances, this is good to know. Have you established an account with the bank here?” When Alburet shook his head Vladimir sighed, “I do not wish to hand over large amounts of coin. Would you be interested in a trade instead?”
“What kind of trade?”
“I will give you an item useful only to those who consort with demons in exchange for this book. I know you might be interested, as the scent of brimstone hangs about you.”
Alburet considered, “Can I see this item first?”
Chuckling, Vladimir put a bag on his desk then reached into it. He pulled out a set of dark red soft leather boots, which he set on the desk. “Examine these and tell me what you think,” Vladimir gave another sharp smile.
Alburet did as he was asked and focused on the boots to see their stats.
Demon Lord’s Boots
Unique Scaling Item, Part of the Demon Lord set
Armor 6 to feet (up to 100 depending on level) stacks with Demon Skin
Agility 6 (up to 100 depending on level)
Wisdom 6 (up to 100 depending on level)
Indestructible
You and your minions can move at double speed when one of your minions is present
Becomes Soul Bound when equipped
Other parts of set:
Robe
Crown
Gloves
Pants
Belt
3 pieces bonus: ???
6 piece bonus: ???
“Wow, those are very interesting indeed,” Alburet said softly.
“Do we have a deal then?”
“Do you have any more of this set?”
“Sadly no,” Vladimir said, “I can give you directions to others of your kind though if you want. Maybe they have information on where other pieces might be.”
“Hmm, still not sure the boots by themselves are worth it,” Alburet said trying to bluff for more.
Vladimir met Alburet’s eyes, “Your heart rate is giving you away. I will ask once more only, then I will withdraw the offer.”
Sighing, Alburet shrugged, “Fine. I’ll take the boots. They’re more use to me than a book is.”
“Glad to do business with you,” Vladimir said as he pushed the boots across the desk. “I shall mark your map so you can find your trainers.”
“Don’t have a map,” Alburet said as he put the boots on, feeling them size themselves to his feet.
“That’s not right, the third quest in the village should have rewarded you with the basic map,” Vladimir said with a frown.
Laughing, Alburet shook his head, “Never seen the village. I came from an altogether different place.”
Frown deepening, Vladimir stared at him then blinked, “So I see. Very well, I will add in a map as part of the deal. Do you happen to have anything else of value to offer me?”
Pulling the letter opener from his bag, Alburet placed it on the desk, “Got that from the same place as the book.”
Vladimir frowned at the letter opener which was covered in a thick layer of tarnish. He peered closely at it then brought a jewelers loupe to his eye, studying it before sighing. “Where did you find these, exactly?”
“Sorry, I promised not to tell,” Alburet said with a smile. “I would trade it to you for a bag like yours and a much better map.”
Vladimir rubbed his temples, “A level six Summoner shouldn’t be able to have things like this. We have a deal, this letter opener for a bag and map of excellent quality.” He pulled the bell pull next to him and his assistant opened the door. “Bring me a bag and map suitable for a high noble.”
The assistant raised a brow before bowing and closing the door. “I think he doesn’t like me,” Alburet chuckled.
“You are dressed as a commoner, of course he doesn’t. He barely tolerates the lesser nobles. He will like you quite soon though, rest assured of that. While we wait, would you like a drink?”
“I’m good actually, but thanks,” Alburet said as he tucked the old boots into his bag.
They sat in silence as Vladimir leafed through the book intently until his assistant returned. “Ah good,” Vladimir said, taking the items from his servant then marking the map and handing them over to Alburet. Alburet blinked to see the bag had 100 slots, and would become soul bound when he equipped it. “There you are. We have concluded our business. I wish you a pleasant day and if you do come across any more items such as these, do bring them to me first.”
Alburet slung the backpack over his shoulder as he stood up. He picked up the map, getting a pop up asking if he wanted to soul bind it. He selected yes and blinked as it vanished, “Err…”